"Oh, the depth of the riches and wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable are his judgments and how inscrutable his ways! For who has known the mind of the Lord, or who has been his counselor? Or who has given a gift to him that he might be repaid? For from him and through him and to him are all things. To him be glory forever. Amen." Romans 11:33-36
The latest book I am reading is "Voices of the True Woman Movement" by Nancy Leigh DeMoss. Chapter two is a treasure trove of nuggets. Nancy pulls out truth after truth about God from this passage in Romans. She explains how Paul, in the first eleven chapters of Romans, lays out the "what" of the gospel, and then the last part of Romans the "so what" - how we are to live in light of the great truths Paul has just given. The doxology of Romans 11:33-36 bridges the gap.
Nancy points out in chapters 9-11, Paul explores the mysteries of God's sovereign, electing grace, God's plan for redeeming both Jews and Gentiles. He explains how in God's sovereignty, the Jews' rejection of Christ is actually the means by which Gentiles have come to accept Him as Savior. Then he writes about how in God's great mercy He will still fulfill His plan for Israel in spite of their rejection. As Paul, under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, begins writing these truths and as he scales higher and higher through the astounding mysteries of God, he is suddenly struck speechless at the majesty of God - and His wisdom - it is beyond comprehension. All he can do is break out into a hymn of praise. Nancy says this hymn of praise provides a framework and context for our lives. This passage gives us a fixed reference point for our hearts. It secures us to God's ultimate, eternal purposes. It gives us perspective, a grid, for responding to His sovereign choices in our lives, especially those we cannot understand or explain.
I want to take the next several posts to give you some of Nancy's nuggets from this chapter. I came away with my view of God enlarged even greater. Everything...absolutely everything, finds its true meaning and purpose in God's meaning and purpose. That is what the last part of Paul's hymn is saying. When we are not willing to make God the center of everything, our lives will be drifting on a sea of changing emotions and incorrect and wayward ways of thinking. We will be prone to depression and anger. We are tempting bitterness and confusion. We are fueling a mindset that will stay in constant disarray, with no reference point to provide any kind of stability. We need to be here: "For from him and through him and to him are all things." When we are not there, we miss the whole point of our existence.
I have learned that when we pursue the unfathomable greatness and majesty and glory of God, we experience inexpressible joy. Just as we cannot find words to adequately describe Him, we cannot fully find words to express our joy in Him.
Nancy points out in chapters 9-11, Paul explores the mysteries of God's sovereign, electing grace, God's plan for redeeming both Jews and Gentiles. He explains how in God's sovereignty, the Jews' rejection of Christ is actually the means by which Gentiles have come to accept Him as Savior. Then he writes about how in God's great mercy He will still fulfill His plan for Israel in spite of their rejection. As Paul, under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, begins writing these truths and as he scales higher and higher through the astounding mysteries of God, he is suddenly struck speechless at the majesty of God - and His wisdom - it is beyond comprehension. All he can do is break out into a hymn of praise. Nancy says this hymn of praise provides a framework and context for our lives. This passage gives us a fixed reference point for our hearts. It secures us to God's ultimate, eternal purposes. It gives us perspective, a grid, for responding to His sovereign choices in our lives, especially those we cannot understand or explain.
I want to take the next several posts to give you some of Nancy's nuggets from this chapter. I came away with my view of God enlarged even greater. Everything...absolutely everything, finds its true meaning and purpose in God's meaning and purpose. That is what the last part of Paul's hymn is saying. When we are not willing to make God the center of everything, our lives will be drifting on a sea of changing emotions and incorrect and wayward ways of thinking. We will be prone to depression and anger. We are tempting bitterness and confusion. We are fueling a mindset that will stay in constant disarray, with no reference point to provide any kind of stability. We need to be here: "For from him and through him and to him are all things." When we are not there, we miss the whole point of our existence.
I have learned that when we pursue the unfathomable greatness and majesty and glory of God, we experience inexpressible joy. Just as we cannot find words to adequately describe Him, we cannot fully find words to express our joy in Him.
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